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Published March 11, 2013, 10:11 AM

Shirley Ann Williams, 80

Shirley Ann Williams, age 80, of Woodbury, Minn., died peacefully in her sleep March 9, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness.

Shirley Ann Williams, age 80, of Woodbury, Minn., died peacefully in her sleep March 9, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness.

Shirley Ann was born June 4, 1932, in Kansas City, Mo., the daughter of Roy and Fern (Kuhn) Grigsby. She was raised in Hutchinson, Kan., and graduated from Hutchinson High School. Shirley worked as a switchboard operator during the 1950s. In October of 1961, she was united in marriage with Gordon Williams in Spokane, Wash. They moved to Cottage Grove in 1967. Shirley worked for School District 833 and as a 911 dispatcher for Cottage Grove police.

She enjoyed gardening, feeding birds, collecting birdhouses, swimming, and doing water aerobics. Her social life with her friends, having coffee, and playing cards was important to her. Shirley will be remembered for her devotion to her family and grandkids.

Shirley was preceded in death by her mother, Fern Masters; daughter Valerie Schrade; and husband Gordon Williams.

Shirley worked for School District 833 for many years and upon retirement she volunteered at the Woodwinds Health campus and at the Friends in Need Food Shelf, St. Paul Park, Minn.

Shirley is survived by her daughters Cynthia Williams (Michele Mead), Debra Rudh (Anthony), and Joan Nelson (Steven); five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and her brother, Donald Grigsby.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 16, at Kok Funeral Home, St. Paul Park, with gathering starting at 1 p.m. All memorials can be directed to the family.

Shirley's daughters would especially like to thank Woodwinds Hospital and HealthEast Hospice for their exceptional care, with a special thank you to our great hospice nurse, Katie, who made this experience a memorable one.

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Jessica D.
Cottage Grove, MN     03/14/2013 7:48 AM

Dear family and friends of Shirley, My name is Jessica and I am a volunteer in your area. I did not know Shirley or your family personally, but I am writing to share a brief thought of comfort in this time of lose. In God's word the Bible we find many beautiful promises, one that comes to mind is Revelation 21:4, "And he [God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” What a beautiful promise God has given us, soon death will be done away with and those who have fallen asleep in death will be resurrected as stated in John 5:28-29. If you would like more information please go to www.jw.org.

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